SB 1147 - This act provides that health benefit plans shall not impose greater cost-sharing requirements for certain treatment of behavioral or mental health conditions if a hospital is out-of-network, as provided in the act, and that the health carrier shall reimburse the out-of-network hospital for the treatment at the same rate as the hospital would be reimbursed by MO HealthNet or Medicare, whichever is greater. The act also provides that maintaining inadequate behavioral and mental health provider networks, as described in the act, shall be an unlawful practice enforceable under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. This act is substantially similar to SB 567 (2025) and similar to SB 550 (2025) and HB 1071 (2025). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kurtis Gregory

Missouri bill requiring insurance plans to cover mental health treatments to improve access and treatment equity for residents.

Second Read and Referred S Insurance and Banking Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1147 would establish or modify insurance coverage requirements for mental health treatments in Missouri. The bill appears to mandate certain mental health services be covered by insurance plans, though specific coverage details are not provided in the available information. This represents an effort to expand mental health parity in the state's insurance market.

Why is this important

Mental health coverage gaps force many Missourians to choose between treatment and financial hardship, particularly for those without employer-sponsored insurance. Expanding insurance coverage for mental health can improve treatment access and outcomes while potentially reducing costs associated with untreated mental illness, including emergency care and lost productivity.

Potential points of contention

Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue expanded coverage requirements increase premiums, potentially making plans less affordable or accessible for price-sensitive consumers

Scope and specificity: Disagreement may arise over which mental health treatments qualify for coverage (therapy, medication, specific modalities) and any limitations on frequency or duration

Provider network adequacy: The bill's success depends on whether there are enough mental health providers willing to accept insurance plans at mandated rates, which could affect actual access despite coverage requirements